MCG really does 'Got Talent'

By Madi Oglesby | Opinion editor

When you think of medical students, if you’re anything like me, your brain immediately goes to lab time, hours upon hours of studying, and definitely no time for hobbies. I was pleasantly surprised, however, to be proven wrong at the MCG’s Got Talent show this past Saturday, Aug. 23.

From breathtaking vocals to awe-inspiring cultural dances, Augusta University’s medical students and faculty showed that there is much more to them than just their brains. 

As I walked into the Maxwell, I was greeted by tables of beautiful artwork, crocheted creations, and photographs taken by the MCG students. Being a crocheter myself, I was particularly interested in the cutest little crocheted critter with a mushroom head. However, the photography and paintings were equally as impressive. 

At the end of the show, the three winners for the art show were crowned. In third place was Dr. Trunks by Megan Lawson, second was Violet Flourescence by Bobini Singh, and the first place trophy went to Soul Searching by Jeannie Lee. Each award was so well deserved.

The emcees for the night, Ryan Lee and Yitzi Zolty were the absolute stars of the night. They were hilarious from beginning to end, mostly just poking fun at each other. Though, there were also tons of medical jokes that definitely went right over my History-major head. 

The show started off with an AU professor, Pamela Tipler, starting a full night of beautiful vocal renditions and dancing. I was surprised to see the amount of AU faculty that performed on Saturday, but it was amazing to witness what hides behind those brilliant minds. 

There were multiple cultural dances throughout the night, including a traditional Vietnamese fan dance accompanied by a stunning white Chinese dragon costume which danced humorously around the stage around the three main female performers. A hilarious and beautiful performance that ultimately lead to a first place win for the group, Silk & Spirit. The group was comprised of Kelly Vu, Sarah Mai, Rebecca Mai, Shafat Zaman, and Michael Vu.

Right behind them, in second place, was the group, Rhythms and Dialogue, which was a breathtaking Indian dance form called kuchipudi. The two performers, Rohan and Ishika, actually met only weeks prior and found out that they shared this passion for dancing kuchipudi. This bore Rhythms and Dialogue, and led the duo to an incredible second place award.

And, finally, in third place, was Sara Hill singing a gorgeous rendition of Adele’s “All I Ask”. A beautiful and heartfelt performance, and a well deserved third place finish.

The rest of the performances, however, were all equally as incredible as these three. From line-dancing, to Les Misérables, to Pirates of the Caribbean played on the piano, MCG showed its range. 

Though the show was hilarious and exciting, the true reason for being there that night was the fundraiser that was being done for the Georgia Cancer Center. Each cent from the ticket sales was donated to the Center, which was perhaps the most heartwarming part of the night. 

I had a wonderful time at the show and, as the faculty advisors for the event stated, I was also very glad to know these students had hobbies outside of the lab. An awesome mix of life-savers and performers. 

Contact Madi Oglesby at auoglesby@augusta.edu